PRNewsFoto/Starkey Hearing FoundationEarlier this month, Elton John and his partner, David Furnish, joined the Starkey Hearing Foundation in a mission to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, to supply hearing aids to in-need children and adults.  More than 400 of the devices were distributed during the visit.

Elton previously served as headliner at the charity's annual So the World May Hear Awards Gala in 2009 and 2004, but the trip marked the first time that the Rocket Man participated first-hand in one of the foundation's initiatives.

"We are working to create peace and understanding around the world through the gift of hearing, and it is not possible without all the efforts of our friends and partners," said Starkey Hearing Foundation founder Bill Austin in a statement.  "We are so honored to have the support of Sir Elton John and David Furnish and that they would take the time to help us deliver this precious gift."

Each year, the Starkey Hearing Foundation mounts about 70 missions, both in the U.S. and abroad, distributing thousands of hearing aids to people with hearing impairment in impoverished areas.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio